-
Rain from a River in the Sky
Have you ever heard your local weather forecaster mention terms like “pineapple express” or “atmospheric river”? These intriguing phenomena might sound whimsical, but they play a crucial role in our weather patterns. So, what exactly are they, and is global warming to blame? What is an Atmospheric River? An atmospheric river is like a giant, […]
-
California Against the Sea: Communicating Sea Level Rise
Join Los Angeles Times environment reporter Rosanna Xia and Scripps Institution of Oceanography coastal resilience specialist Laura Engeman as they discuss the science and impacts of sea-level rise in California. Xia, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, reads from her book “California Against the Sea,” which recently won the Golden Poppy Award for nonfiction. Engeman explains how […]
-
Navigating the Future: Trust and Transparency in Healthcare AI
In the digital era, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and trust is increasingly becoming a focal point in discussions around technology and ethics. Specifically, many people are asking, How will artificial intelligence impact healthcare? In a recent talk, Dr. Ida Sim, Professor of Medicine and Computational Precision Health at UCSF, and Cora Han, attorney […]
-
Art and Science: Understanding the Effects of Climate Change on Kelp Forests
Southern California’s giant kelp forests, composed of rapidly growing large brown algae, are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet. These underwater forests support a diverse array of life, forming a vibrant community that thrives within them. Kelp forests anchor themselves atop rocky reefs, a place where few other plants can establish, thanks to […]
-
The Secret of the Red Tide
Why does the stunning bioluminescence in the ocean, often described as ‘sea sparkle’ or ‘milky seas’ and known for its beautiful blue-green glow at night, appear so different during the day? Commonly referred to as red tide, the ocean water appears murky, often with a brown or red tone. In some parts of the Pacific […]
-
The Promises and Pitfalls of the Artificial Intelligence Revolution
Artificial intelligence brings forth a wave of transformative possibilities capturing the minds and curiosities of people and industries around the world. But this evolving technology also poses challenges that demand careful consideration. At the forefront of this intersection, AI plays a pivotal role in accelerating research, unlocking insights, and propelling advancements in various biological domains. […]
-
Decoding Autism: Unraveling Early Brain Development
As we contemplate the future of autism research, Dr. Eric Courchesne’s insights encourage a holistic understanding, transcending conventional boundaries. The journey into the intricate tapestry of autism continues, fueled by pioneering research and a commitment to enhancing the lives of those on the spectrum. The crux of Courchesne’s discussion revolves around the role of gene […]
-
Ahead of the Storm: Advancements in Disaster Preparedness Tech
Climate change has notable impacts on the fire season in California, contributing to conditions that increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of wildfires. Historically, these events typically happened in the fall when Santa Ana winds fueled dangerous and disastrous wildfires. However, with an increase in climate change, rising temperatures are creating drier conditions, drying vegetation […]
-
Astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson: Bridging Space and Medical Science
In an era where the realms of space exploration and medical science are converging, few voices carry as much authority and insight as that of astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson. Alongside her counterpart, Dr. Lisa Carnell, their dialogue at the 2023 Sanford Stem Cell Symposium exemplified the pioneering spirit driving this interdisciplinary frontier. Dr. Whitson, with […]
-
Your Eyes Can Deceive You: Exposing Deepfakes
Have you ever seen software that allows you to take an old still photo and magically have it smile at you? Or turn your selfie into a photograph that could be found in a yearbook from the 1990s? The technology that began as simple digital video manipulation for motion pictures has moved into deepfake technology […]